Pessimism Spreads Among Belgians as Economic Anxiety Deepens

Nearly seven out of ten Belgians believe the country’s economy has deteriorated over the past twelve months, according to a major national survey published Thursday by RTBF, VRT, and De Standaard. The “Enquête nationale” / “De Stemming” survey, conducted in March 2026 by the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), reveals a population gripped by deepening economic pessimism and increasingly divided along regional lines over the government’s austerity agenda.

A Widespread Sense of Crisis

The survey paints a stark picture: 75% of Walloons, 69% of Brussels residents, and 64% of Flemings believe the economy has worsened, with pessimism rising significantly across all regions compared to 2025. As RTBF reported, “pessimism is winning over Belgians,” driven overwhelmingly by concerns over purchasing power and the cost of living.

Prof. Stefaan Walgrave of the University of Antwerp, who co-led the study, identified two root causes. “First, there is the feeling that we have no control over prices — especially energy prices — due to international turbulence,” he told VRT NWS. “Second, there is the feeling that the government can no longer protect us from these shocks.” The survey was conducted just after the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran, adding to global economic uncertainty.

Regional Divide in Financial Strain

The survey reveals stark regional disparities in financial well-being. In Wallonia and Brussels, 31% of respondents said they cannot make ends meet with their current income — nearly double the 17% in Flanders. According to the detailed survey results published by RTBF, 26% of Belgians cannot afford a car, 22% cannot afford annual holidays, and roughly one in ten cannot adequately heat their homes.

“The general finding that Flemings feel far fewer financial constraints applies to each of the eight indicators taken separately,” the researchers noted.

Targeted Reforms Supported, Broad Austerity Rejected

The survey reveals a striking paradox in public attitudes toward the Arizona coalition government’s reform agenda. Measures targeting specific groups enjoy broad support: 77% of Flemings and 59% of Walloons back the two-year limit on unemployment benefits, while 72-82% across all regions support stricter controls on long-term sick leave.

However, across-the-board austerity measures face overwhelming rejection. Only 25-30% of Belgians support capping wage indexation, and support for VAT increases ranges from just 9% in Wallonia to 20% in Flanders. Even voters of governing parties largely oppose these measures — 75% of MR voters and 80% of Les Engagés voters reject the VAT increase.

As the researchers explained, “As soon as measures affect the wallet of the entire population rather than just specific groups, we find that a majority — including in Flanders — opposes them.”

Shifting Priorities: Economy Trumps Immigration

A notable shift in public concerns has occurred since the 2024 federal elections. Economic and purchasing power issues now dominate as the top concern (20% of Belgians), while immigration has fallen from first to fourth place. Political representation ranks second, and budget and finances rank third.

“In 2026, socio-economic questions are incontestably dominant. Cultural questions such as immigration, crime, and climate have been relegated to the background,” the researchers concluded.

Defense Spending Support Collapses

Support for increased defense spending — a key pillar of the Arizona coalition’s agenda — has collapsed dramatically. While 71% of Flemings and roughly 60% of Walloons supported raising defense spending to 2% of GDP in 2025, support for the current 5% GDP target has fallen to just 54% in Flanders and below 44% in Wallonia and Brussels.

Implications for the Arizona Coalition

The findings represent a significant warning for Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s five-party Arizona coalition, which has pursued an ambitious austerity program aimed at reducing Belgium’s public deficit. With new budget savings expected this summer, the survey suggests growing resistance — particularly in French-speaking Belgium.

As Bertrand Henne of RTBF observed, the results are “enough to make all parties think before a new round of savings is announced for the summer.” The government faces the delicate challenge of pursuing fiscal consolidation while confronting a population that is increasingly pessimistic, financially strained, and resistant to measures that touch their wallets directly.

What to Watch For

All eyes will be on the Arizona coalition’s summer 2026 budget package. The survey suggests that any new austerity measures affecting the general population — rather than targeted groups — will face significant public opposition, particularly in Wallonia and Brussels where economic pessimism and financial strain are most acute.